Radio reception
Member
Joined: 12-20-2009
Posts: 49
From: Redlands, CA
I think it's just a design compromise for the HHR. Our's has had poor reception on FM stations since we bought it brand new. No problems on AM but there is so much solar panel power grids in the area that crate interference with AM it wouldn't matter what type of antennae you have. The short rubber anttenaes just don't work as well. I live in So. Cal. there are lots of high powered radio station in the LA market and we have trouble getting them to come in clear in areas where we shouldn't have trouble. My F-150 and 2010 Taurus (work car) don't have issues.
You shouldn't have trouble with XM/Serius. The stock receiver works good.
You shouldn't have trouble with XM/Serius. The stock receiver works good.
Senior Member
Joined: 01-13-2008
Posts: 4,708
From: Washington State, where it rains
My SS worked fine when new, now a few years later it doesnt have alot of distance reception..suspect the amp bad or the SB deal..yse XM alot so havent chased it yet..LS car works great.
Senior Member
Joined: 09-02-2010
Posts: 383
From: Philadelphia, PA
I would check for a secure antenna and no rust between the base and the antenna pole. Also this TSB might help.
#PIC4525A: Poor Radio Reception / Intermittent Signal - keywords headliner int inop inoperative low pinched screw short static STG sun visor volume weak wire - (Aug 24, 2007)
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern:
A condition has been identified that may cause poor radio reception or loss of radio signal intermittently or the RDO fuse (15amp) to be blown. The cause may be the B+ power feed wire (that supplies power to the antenna Amplifier) being pinched at the right sun visor attachment. This circuit has also been reported to be shorted at the PASSENGER side lower kick panel area.
Recommendation/Instructions:
If you experience any of the above conditions, check for a short to ground at the sun visor/lower passenger kick panel.
There is also a reprogram for bad reception per this TSB: #06-08-44-016C: Poor Audio Quality When Listening to AM or FM Radio (Reprogram Radio)
#PIC4525A: Poor Radio Reception / Intermittent Signal - keywords headliner int inop inoperative low pinched screw short static STG sun visor volume weak wire - (Aug 24, 2007)
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern:
A condition has been identified that may cause poor radio reception or loss of radio signal intermittently or the RDO fuse (15amp) to be blown. The cause may be the B+ power feed wire (that supplies power to the antenna Amplifier) being pinched at the right sun visor attachment. This circuit has also been reported to be shorted at the PASSENGER side lower kick panel area.
Recommendation/Instructions:
If you experience any of the above conditions, check for a short to ground at the sun visor/lower passenger kick panel.
There is also a reprogram for bad reception per this TSB: #06-08-44-016C: Poor Audio Quality When Listening to AM or FM Radio (Reprogram Radio)
If there is a ground short at the circuit on the passenger lower panel, would sending a ground wire from the circuit to the aftermarket head unit solve the issue?
Last edited by drummerboy0088; Jul 3, 2013 at 12:54 PM.
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